Fall on the ice? Bronson physician says when to seek treatment

File photoAttention often focuses on slippery commutes as snow and ice descend on Southwest Michigan, but injuries can also result from slips on ice while walking.

KALAMAZOO — Attention often focuses on slippery commutes as snow and ice descend on Southwest Michigan, but injuries can also result from slips on ice while walking.

Dr. Matthew Dommer, an emergency and trauma physician at Bronson Methodist Hospital, said there's "a big uptick" in patients with injuries due to falls as the roads get icy. Typical injuries, he said, include ankle, knee and wrist injuries, although they also see significant head injuries.

If you fall on the ice and are wondering whether or not you should see a doctor, Dommer says there are "emergent" warning signs that indicate you should see a doctor right away. These include:

Loss of consciousness

You can't stop vomiting

"The worst headache of your life"

Visual problems

A focal weakness

Seizure

If you experience any of these emergent symptoms, and especially if they persist for more than a few minutes, Dommer said you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

"I wouldn't wait," he said. "I would come right in."

Additionally, Dommer said there are "urgent" symptoms that occur without a loss of consciousness that may be a sign of a concussion, including memory loss or repetitive questioning, that are concerning but not as immediate as the emergent signs.

Keep walkways clear

When it comes to injuries from falling, Dommer said, "the biggest thing is always prevention."

He said keeping areas where walking is likely to occur clear by salting and shoveling is important. If you do fall, he said, it's important to take your time getting up.

"The best thing to do is not to move," he said. "At least not right away."

He said doctors often see neck injuries that go along with head injuries, and that the best thing to do if you're with someone who falls is to keep the person immobile and try to keep the neck aligned in case there are any spinal injuries.

If the fall is less serious and you're hurt but not experiencing other symptoms, Dommer said to take Tylenol for the pain but to avoid aspirin, which can cause an increase in bleeding.

Also keep an eye out for any of the emergent or urgent symptoms listed above, which may indicate more serious injuries.